As Earth Day Approaches, Rooftop Solar Can Add Value, Boost Buyer Interest in a Property

As Earth Day approaches on 22 April, property experts across the Raine & Horne property group say installing solar power can see a property’s value rise by as much as 2% in some regions. But the deal breaker can be whether solar batteries are in place, which allow residents to harness the full value of solar power.

Australia leads the world in per capita household solar, with more than 4 million homes - approximately one in three properties – equipped with solar panels[i].

A search for ‘solar panels’ across the Raine & Horne group revealed 13% of properties listed for sale feature solar panels.

Research by Cotality in 2025 estimated the value uplift of solar panels at 2.7% nationally.[ii] However, this average included hot climates, such as Darwin, where the value uplift is 6.9%, and colder climates, notably Hobart, where solar panels can add 5.4% to a property’s value.

With Earth Day just around the corner, Raine & Horne property experts explain that eco-friendly features can boost a property’s sale value by up to 2% and generate a 10% uptick in buyer enquiries.

The impact of solar varies between locations

Filippo D’Arrigo, Principal of Raine & Horne Marrickville in Sydney, said, “In the Inner West home buyers are super-keen on green home features, but they are also savvy when it comes to cost versus benefit.

“Among homes with solar panels installed, buyers are increasingly asking whether there is a solar battery in place, and how many kilowatts it is generating.

“More broadly, we typically see 10% more buyers for properties where solar panels are in place,” added Mr D’Arrigo.

Chris Vote, Real Estate Agent, Raine & Horne - Wynnum/Manly in Brisbane, said, “A growing proportion of younger home buyers are definitely asking about solar power. It certainly is a sweetener though not necessarily a must-have.

“Across our sales we have seen rooftop solar add about 2% to a property’s value. At current average house values (around $1.35 million in Wynnum and $1.65 million in Manly) this could see solar panels add as much as $33,000 to a property’s value.”

In Adelaide, John Cullen, Principal of Raine & Horne Kurralta Park, said solar power is more of a “sweetener than a must-have however around one in three buyers ask about the presence of solar panels.”

He explained, “Lots of properties in South Australia have solar power. So the clincher can be whether a home has a solar battery. If it does, this can add an extra $20,000 to a property’s value.

Factor ageing appliances into negotiations

The common thread across markets is that home buyers are wary of older, energy-hungry appliances.

“Buyers will look at older appliances, especially ageing air-conditioning units and leverage the cost of replacing these items in price negotiations,” said Mr Vote.

In Sydney’s Inner West, Mr D’Arrigo said, “Most vendors will incorporate the replacement cost of older appliances into a property’s sale price. It typically isn’t cost-effective for sellers to replace these items in the hope of gaining an uptick in the property’s sale value.”

Angus Raine, Chief Executive of the Raine & Horne Property Group, said, “Earth Day is an event that draws attention to our collective power consumption.

“As power costs rise, home buyers are clearly interested in features that can help them save on utility bills.

“However, they are taking a savvy approach and are prepared to spend more on features that offer extra bang for buck, such as solar batteries. This is a clear message for sellers to be realistic about price expectations on properties that have older, energy inefficient appliances.”